Wireless Endoscopic Camera Using UWB and Variable Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional endoscopic camera systems with wired connections hinder surgical mobility, pose contamination risks, and suffer from unreliable wireless signals due to interference and obstruction, with limited data transfer rates and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A wireless endoscopic camera system employing high-sensitivity image sensors, variable compression, and UWB technology for reliable high-performance signal transmission, along with multiple antennas and a sterilizable backup cable for increased reliability and battery life, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is used to connect the camera head to the video monitor, then the connection is reliable and stable, but the surgical mobility is reduced and the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The camera head uses a wireless transmitter to send video signals to the monitor, eliminating the physical cable that constrained surgical mobility while maintaining connection reliability through error correction protocols and signal processing
2Reliability
If a wired connection is used, then the connection stability is maintained, but the sterilization capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmission system replaces the wired connection, allowing the camera head to be fully sterilizable without compromising connection stability. The electromagnetic transmission occurs through air, requiring no physical interface between sterile and non-sterile zones, thus enabling complete sterilization of the camera head while maintaining stable video transmission
3Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is used, then the surgical mobility is improved, but the signal reliability deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms including automatic gain control, signal strength monitoring, and error detection/correction protocols. The transmitter and receiver continuously adjust transmission parameters based on signal quality feedback, maintaining reliable communication despite wireless environmental challenges while preserving surgical mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs error correction codes and redundant data transmission protocols that prepare for and cushion against potential signal disruptions before they occur. These preemptive measures ensure signal reliability even when electromagnetic interference or obstruction occurs during mobile surgical procedures
4Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the data transfer rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including data rate, modulation scheme, and compression level to optimize the balance between ease of operation and data transfer rate. High-sensitivity image sensors and adaptive compression algorithms enable adequate video quality transmission at reduced data rates suitable for wireless mobile operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides reliable, high-fidelity wireless image transmission, minimizes interference, and maintains sterility, with improved mobility and extended battery life, ensuring consistent and high-quality video feed during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A high sensitivity image sensor allows for image capturing in low light conditions
Implementation Method 2
UWB technology for reliable high-performance signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.